LBFTA Commends the Launch of Wings Air’s Makassar–Labuan Bajo Route, Promoting Tourism and Local Economic Growth

Labuan Bajo, July 20, 2026 — The Labuan Bajo Flores Tourism Authority (LBFTA) reaffirmed its commitment to improving tourism connectivity by participating in the inaugural ceremony of Wings Air’s Makassar (UPG) – Labuan Bajo (LBJ) route at Komodo International Airport on Sunday, 19 July 2026. The new route is expected to enhance accessibility to Labuan Bajo while creating greater opportunities for travelers from Eastern Indonesia to explore Flores and its surrounding destinations.

The inaugural flight IW-1910 departed from Makassar at 10:55 WITA and arrived in Labuan Bajo at 12:25 WITA, carrying 58 passengers. The return service departed Labuan Bajo at 12:50 WITA and arrived in Makassar at 14:30 WITA. Wings Air will operate the Makassar–Labuan Bajo route four times a week, every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.

The welcoming ceremony brought together representatives from the Government of West Manggarai Regency, Komodo International Airport, Lion Air Group, tourism associations, and tourism stakeholders. LBFTA was represented by its technical team as part of its ongoing commitment to strengthening strategic partnerships that improve tourism accessibility across the Floratama region.

Representing the Regent of West Manggarai, Petrus Antonius Rasyid, Head of the Tourism, Creative Economy, and Culture Office of West Manggarai Regency, expressed appreciation for Lion Air Group’s commitment to expanding air connectivity.

“On behalf of the Government of West Manggarai, we sincerely appreciate Lion Air Group for opening this new Makassar–Labuan Bajo route, which will operate four times a week. This is an important milestone that strengthens Labuan Bajo’s connectivity and opens wider opportunities for travelers from Sulawesi, Ambon, and surrounding regions to experience our destination. We also hope additional routes across East Nusa Tenggara can be developed in the future,” said Petrus Antonius Rasyid.

The new direct connection is expected to strengthen Labuan Bajo’s position as the primary gateway to Flores while improving travel efficiency for both leisure and business visitors. Enhanced air accessibility is also anticipated to stimulate tourism-related businesses, increase visitor mobility, and encourage longer travel itineraries across Flores.

Acting President Director of LBFTA, Andhy MT Marpaung, welcomed the inauguration and emphasized that improved connectivity is a strategic driver for sustainable tourism growth.

“Improving connectivity remains one of the key pillars of tourism development in Labuan Bajo and Flores. The inauguration of the Wings Air Makassar–Labuan Bajo route provides travelers with greater convenience while supporting a more integrated tourism ecosystem across Eastern Indonesia. LBFTA appreciates Lion Air Group’s commitment and will continue collaborating with airlines, local governments, and industry stakeholders to expand access and encourage visitors to discover the diverse attractions of Flores beyond Labuan Bajo,” said Andhy MT Marpaung.

As the gateway to the Floratama tourism region, Labuan Bajo continues to strengthen its transportation network through strategic collaborations with aviation partners. LBFTA believes that improved accessibility will not only increase visitor arrivals but also encourage more balanced tourism distribution, generate broader economic opportunities for local communities, and reinforce Flores’ competitiveness as one of Indonesia’s leading sustainable tourism destinations.

— Engel Vione
IT Support Specialist & Public Communication Officer
Labuan Bajo Flores Tourism Authority (LBFTA)